Federation of Master Builders - Builders voted nation’s best living companions, as annual search for Britain’s best gets underway

Perfect partners!
An independent survey commissioned by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) to launch its annual search to find the best builders in Britain, found that builders topped the list of professionals that homeowners would like to live with.
40% of women, and 20% of men would most like builders living in their homes, with over 80% describing them as friendly or cheery. The research also found that almost a third (30%) of homeowners had engaged a builder to improve their home, but almost half the population thought that builders are not given enough credit for what they do.
To redress the balance, property developer and TV presenter, Sarah Beeny, joined forces with the FMB to launch the Master Builder of the Year Awards 2007. The Awards are unique because to enter, a builder must be nominated by a satisfied customer who has valued both their trade skills and their customer service.
Said Sarah: "Every profession likes to be appreciated - none more so than builders. But all too often the media focuses on the rogue builders that no-one wants in their homes. The reality is that the majority of builders are friendly, cheery and hardworking - qualities that are essential during a major home improvement project, when homeowners may find themselves living with their builder for several months."
Added Sarah: "The Master Builder of the Year Awards gives customers a chance to thank their builder for a job well done. There are plenty of great builders out there, and the FMB wants to beat last year’s record breaking 1,500 entries from around the country.”
Designed to reward small and medium-sized building firms, the prestigious Master Builder of the Year Awards 2007 has eight categories – from which the overall title- winner will be chosen – and there is a separate award for the country’s best building apprentice.
The prestige and popularity of the Master Builder of the Year Awards is growing every year, and the national media attention the competition generates has significantly increased both the number of entries and the support from some of the biggest names in the industry.
Said Richard Diment, FMB Director General: “There is no doubt that Master Builder of the Year is the title that every builder aspires to. Last year we had around 1,500 entries and we are anticipating even more this year, with a range of categories to match the type of work that most small and medium sized building firms undertake. We are delighted that Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd has agreed to be our lead partner for a fourth year, and we thank all our Award partners for their continued support.”
The overall winner – the Master Builder of the Year 2007 - will receive a brand new Nissan Light Commercial Vehicle of their choice, while their client will be rewarded with a £3,000 luxury holiday!
The Apprentice of the Year 2007 will receive a cash prize of £1,000
If you have just completed a project you are proud of, make sure your client knows about these awards. For an entry form log on to www.fmb.org.uk or call 0870 162 0942.
Green emphasis
The 2007 Awards will place a special emphasis on sustainable building practice, with separate categories for Energy Efficiency and Waste Minimisation. In the first, the judges will be looking for housing projects that demonstrate the best use of energy efficiency features designed to save energy, reduce costs and the overall environmental impact. The Waste Minimisation prize will be awarded to the builder who can demonstrate their adoption of best practice to minimise waste and disposal costs, increase resource efficiency and increase profits.
Building excellence is recognised at every level of budget and complexity, as this year’s competition includes three separate Renovation categories – for Small Projects costing under £100K, for Medium Projects costing between £100K and £300K, and for Large Projects costing over £300k.
Other categories cover New Homes, Commercial Projects (up to £3m) and a special “Heavenly Builder” award for firms with an annual turnover of less than £300K that demonstrate outstanding customer service.
Sarah Beeny will present the winners with their awards at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, on November 8th 2007.

Email: jo.reid@ridgemountpr.co.uk